Pins
Clevis pins feature a smooth cylindrical shaft with a flanged head and a cross-drilled hole designed to accept a cotter pin or retaining clip. Engineered specifically to bear high shear loads rather than tensile clamping forces, they permit free rotation and pivoting of the joined structural members. They form the critical articulatory joints in agricultural hitches, construction hydraulic rams, and aerospace control linkages.
Clevis pins are heavy-duty, unthreaded cylindrical fasteners designed specifically to act as mechanical pivot points. Featuring a smooth shaft, a flanged or domed head, and a precise cross-drilled hole at the opposite end, these pins enable secure yet flexible joints. Instead of enduring tensile clamping forces like traditional bolts, clevis pins are engineered to bear extraordinary shear loads, acting as a rotational axis for connected components. The cross-drilled hole accepts retaining elements such as cotter pins or hairpin clips, locking the assembly together while permitting free pivoting and rotational articulation of hinges, mechanical linkages, and structural shackles.
Durability and sheer endurance dictate the materials used in manufacturing clevis pins. Our inventory includes robust Mild Steel and high-corrosion resistant Stainless Steel.
Mild steel clevis pins serve as the industrial standard for heavy machinery and structural connections. They are available in a variety of protective finishes, including Plain, Bare, Powder Coated, and Zinc Plated (Clear, Yellow) to resist environmental degradation. For applications subject to extreme wear and friction, Heat Treated (Case Hardened) finishes are available to increase the surface hardness and extend the pin's operational life.
For marine, chemical, or food-processing applications, stainless steel clevis pins deliver exceptional rust resistance. They are supplied in premium grades including 304, A2, 316, and A4, guaranteeing structural integrity even in the harshest outdoor conditions.
The primary mechanical property defining clevis pins is their high shear strength, allowing them to absorb immense lateral forces without deformation or failure.
To ensure global compatibility, uniform dimensions, and reliable load-bearing capabilities, these fasteners adhere to rigid international standards, predominantly DIN 1444 and ISO 2341. While the standard clevis pin features an Unthreaded (Standard) shaft for smooth pivoting, specialized Partially Threaded variations are also manufactured to accommodate unique assembly requirements where specific tensioning or anchoring is necessary alongside a shear-bearing section.
Clevis pins are the foundational joint fasteners in any system requiring heavy load-bearing articulation. In agriculture, they are crucial for securing tractor three-point hitches, hydraulic rams, and heavy tow-behind equipment. The construction and material handling sectors rely on them for crane rigging, pulley systems, and excavator bucket linkages. Furthermore, they are extensively utilized in aerospace control linkages, automotive brake systems, sailboat rigging, and automation machinery where a strong, secure, and easily removable pivot joint is absolutely essential.
Clevis pins provide a simple, powerful, and reusable solution for managing extreme shear forces. Their ability to facilitate smooth rotation while securely binding heavy structural elements makes them indispensable in modern mechanical engineering.
Our clevis pins are available in a range of sizes, materials, and standards. Contact us for a detailed specifications sheet and competitive bulk pricing.
Request a Quote